~ The Upper Valley's News Leader

Oct. 16, 2015

Feds Bring Charges Against Guatemalan Man For Defrauding Lebanon Business

Federal charges are being brought against a Guatemalan businessman who defrauded a Lebanon NH investment adviser and its clients of over 9 million dollars. The recently unsealed charges, contained in a Criminal Complaint filed on December 29, 2014 say Roberto Montano a/k/a Jorge Roberto Montano Pellegrini violated the Federal Wire Fraud statute by transferring funds intended to run teak plantations for the benefit of the investors for other purposes. Montano also is accused of diverting Guatemalan government subsidies intended for the teak plantations and mortgaging real estate assets held for the benefit of the investment adviser’s clients without their knowledge or authorization. Montano 49, is a citizen of Guatemala and most recently resided in or near Guatemala City. Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith said Montano is presently a fugitive from justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is attempting to locate and apprehend him.

Walpole Police Ask Residents to Lock Doors and Windows

The Walpole Police Department is asking residents to keep doors and windows lock after recent break-ins. The police also ask residents to report any suspicious activity that seems out of place, or unfamiliar vehicles in their neighborhood. If you see something of concern, call the police station at (603) 445-2058, but for emergencies call 911. Police say they are not able to check facebook daily so please do not leave urgent messages for them there.

Sunapee Shutting off Summer Water Lines

The Sunapee water department will be shutting off the summer water lines tomorrow October 16, 2015.

Fish and Game Seek Information on Lost Hiker

NH Fish and Game is asking the public to report any information on the whereabouts of Claire Marie Cocuzza of Westwood MA. Cocuzzo planned to hike in the White Mountain National Forest from Oct. 5- 10, 2015. Her itinerary was to hike from Mount Garfield Trailhead to Bond Cliff and back which is approximately 26 miles. A family member reported her missing when she did not return, as planned.
Cocuzza is 64 year old,with gray hair and brown eyes. She is 5’2” tall and weighs 120 pounds. Anyone who saw Ms. Cocuzzo or interacted with her along the trail is encouraged to call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3361.

Franklin Cancels Curfew

The City of Franklin has cancelled its plan to reinstate its curfew. After the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire threatened a lawsuit and after a federal judge struck down a similar ordinance in Keene, the Franklin city council reversed itself and decided it will not enforce its recently adopted curfew for those 16 and under. In a statement, the council said, “The council regrets to announce that based upon legal advice received from the city attorney, the ordinance will not be enforced for the foreseeable future.” The council said it will work with state lawmakers.

Claremont Savings Bank Announces Plug and Go Charging Stations

Claremont Savings Bank announced on Thursday that two Plug’n Go Electric Car charging stations were installed in their parking lot at 96 Main Street in Springfield, VT, right next to the town offices. Vermont has 32 charging stations throughout the state. You can get a complete list at http://www.greenmountainpower.com